Lake Pilchowickie

Lake Pilchowickie is a dam reservoir on the River Bóbr, lying in the municipality of Wleń in Lower Silesia, at the foot of the Kaczawa Mountains. Its recognisable features are the historic dam and a steel railway viaduct that crosses the valley high above the water. The lake covers an area of about 240 hectares, stretches for about 7 kilometres, and reaches a depth of 40-47 metres.

Where it came from

The direct reason for building the dam was the catastrophic flood on the Bóbr in 1897, which devastated the river valley. The decision to build a retention reservoir was made in 1900, and the design was prepared by Otto Intze and Curt Bachmann. The dam was built between 1902 and 1912 - it is 62 metres high and 290 metres long at the crest, and at the time of completion it was the largest stone-and-concrete dam in Europe. The official opening took place on 16 November 1912, with the participation of Emperor Wilhelm II. From the start the reservoir served a dual role: protecting the valley from flooding and supplying the hydroelectric plant built by the dam.

A steel railway viaduct also rises above the lake, one of the distinctive features of the Bóbr valley landscape. The bridge was destroyed in May 1945, and the rebuilt structure was put into use in November 1946. Today it is listed on the heritage register.

By the water

The shores of Lake Pilchowickie are mostly steep, with no designated beaches, so swimming in the reservoir is not advised. Instead of swimming, it is worth taking a walk along the crest of the dam - it is open free of charge and is a popular viewpoint over the lake and the Bóbr valley. Walking and cycling routes along the valley also lead from the nearby Pilchowice Zapora station.

Nearby

• Zapora Pilchowice - the historic dam impounding the lake's water, open to visitors from the crest.
• Wieża Rycerska w Siedlęcinie - a Gothic defensive structure with preserved wall paintings.
• Ośrodek jeździecki Appaloosa - horse riding in the Bóbr valley area.
• Ośrodek Jeździecki Stajnia Kasztelan - another option for horse lovers in the region.

Practical information

• Getting there: via local roads in the municipality of Wleń, from Jelenia Góra or Lwówek Śląski.
• Parking spaces available near the dam.
• A walk along the crest of the dam is a short, easy route, open all year round - it is worth wearing good footwear, as the ground around the reservoir can be uneven.
• Check current water conditions and any restrictions on the GIS Bathing Site Service (sk.gis.gov.pl), although the lake itself is not an official bathing site.